Having a smashing time on the ski slopes?

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Nearly 2.8 million¹ will be hitting the ski slopes this winter season², according to new figures out today from esure travel insurance - a 50 per cent rise on last year³. Yet many Brits could end up facing huge medical bills in the event of an accident by not buying a travel insurance policy and making sure they're covered for all winter pursuits.

In fact, one in eight (12 per cent) skiers and snowboarders surveyed¹ won't take out travel insurance before they take to the pistes this winter. Worryingly, three per cent of Brits polled will wrongly rely solely on their European Health Insurance Card (formerly E111) for cover.

An injury on the slopes could turn out to be very serious and treatment could run into thousands of pounds. Even a highly accomplished skier could fall foul to the dangers caused by novice skiers - so no-one is immune to injury. The survey revealed that one in 14 (seven per cent) British skiers have been injured on the slopes during a previous winter break.

Being carted off the slopes on a blood-wagon could set you back approximately £200⁴ and a helicopter evacuation alone would cost around £1500. Depending on where you decide to take your winter break, repatriation costs will also cost you dear. From Europe you could face £4000 in costs and from the USA or Canada, a whopping £8000 just to get you onto home soil. The weakness of the pound against the likes of the euro at the moment will also hike up any costs incurred.

With the growing interest in high-adrenaline sports and trying out new experiences, ski resorts also offer activities such as ice-lake diving, off-piste snowboarding and bobsleighing. Worryingly, a third (34 per cent) of UK adults would try out more extreme sports without checking to see if they were covered by their travel insurance. In fact, 13 per cent would assume that all activities offered at a ski resort were covered as standard - even though there are often exclusions, restrictions or limitations.

Mike Pickard, Head of Travel Insurance at esure, said: "It doesn't matter whether you're a novice or perfectly at home on the black runs, accidents do happen on the slopes and it's crucial to make sure you’re fully covered with quality insurance that includes specific winter sports cover.

Always check the small print before booking your skiing holiday and be mindful of any exclusions - particularly if you're tempted by more extreme winter sports. Call your insurer if you’re not clear on what you're covered for otherwise you may have to foot a hefty medical bill if you were injured."

Top tips for holidaymakers looking to hit the slopes this winter:

Don't forget to buy travel insurance: Make sure your policy includes winter sports cover - never assume it comes as standard - and don't rely on the limited cover provided by a free European Health Insurance card.
Check what activities are covered before you book: If you intend on participating in activities off the regular ski runs, double check which ones are covered and call your insurer if you're unsure. For example, off-piste or cross-country skiing may be covered as standard but only with a qualified guide or on recognised routes.
Make sure the sizing is right if you borrow equipment: If you're looking to borrow ski equipment and clothing from family and friends to keep down costs, rather than hiring or buying your own, make sure everything is the correct size. A loose-fitting ski boot will increase your risk of having an accident and personal safety should be of the utmost importance on the slopes rather than cost saving.
Take documentation with you to refer to: If you become injured and need to make a claim, it will be more convenient if you have your insurance policy information and insurer's contact details to hand to speed up the process.
Read insurance policy small print before you buy: Check limits, restrictions and exclusions to make sure you have ample cover - especially to cover medical bills. Take into account both price and the quality of the insurance cover.

-ends-

esure's press contacts:

Niki Bolton, Corporate Communications Manager: 01737 235070
Emma Lloyd, Assistant Communications Officer: 01737 641309
Adrian Webb, Head of Corporate Communications: 01737 641000
Email: pr@esure.com

Notes to Editors:

ICM Research interviewed a random sample of 1004 holidaymakers aged 18+ by telephone between 23rd and 25th October 2009. Interviews were conducted across the country and the results have been weighted to the profile of all adults. ICM is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. Further information at www.icmresearch.co.uk . According to the research, 6 per cent of the UK adult population figure (45,890,000: source ICM Research) plan to go on a winter sports holiday this season = 2.8 million (2,753,400).
Winter sports season: October 2009 - March 2010
ICM Research interviewed a random sample of 1007 holidaymakers aged 18+ by telephone between 10th and 12th October 2008. According to the research, 4 per cent (1,835,600 Brits) of the UK adult population figure (45,890,000: source ICM Research) planned to go on a winter sports holiday in the 2008/2009 season.
Internal stats - esure travel insurance.

About esure:

esure was launched in 2001 and offers car, home, pet and travel insurance over the internet and by phone. esure also offers car insurance cover through the brands Halifax, Sainsbury's, Sheilas' Wheels and more recently home insurance through the Sheilas' Wheels brand.

Sponsorship:

esure has secured two of the UK's most iconic sponsorships: the ITV National and Channel 4 Weather bulletins.

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